Used to have a full beard I let get to logger style and then trim it down. Transitioned to goatee or mustache only. Work reasons make it so logger style beard is not ok. What kind of clipper do I need, such that I can maintain a  1/4 or less beard, and how often do I need to shave it?

Thanks

I have a couple sets, but use this for the beard. Mines a bit older so it's AA instead of lithium. I do it once or twice a week. The wife likes the in-between stubble.

Wahl trimmer sold on Amazon.  I have used them for a long time.  They usually last 8-10 years.  They come with plenty of attachments to do anything you want.  Battery has excellent life.

Any particular tips on the guards? With the grain against the grain etc? I assume start bigger than I think I want and drop down until I get the results?

Silly questions I know, but its always been no guards and either facial hair or none lol.

For best results, I take the guard off and freehand trim my beard. I find a guard useful for trimming down small areas like the sideburns and moustache.

I use scissors for cleaning up the moustache line at the top lip and edges of the moustache.

It takes practice, but it’s not as easy to screw up as it looks. I’d recommend looking at YouTube videos from George Bruno to get an idea on technique.

Cut with the grain and start high if you’re using a guard.

That's a weird looking beard

Strangely, I actually enjoyed that video.  Learned a few things.

I have a Philips Norelco beard trimmer that has a "selector" which lets me dial the length I want to trim.  I think the shape of your face will dictate if you want a face shaped beard or if you want to style it or shape it... like the fella in the video.  I keep my beard short for work (I work in a professional business environment).  I also trim the side burns a little shorter to match my hair above my ears and let the chin grow a little bit longer.

With the selection feature on the trimmer you can trim anytime and as often as you'd like.  Sometimes I let mine get a little longer and sometimes I keep it short... totally up to you.  I've gone through a few trimmers but the cheaper ones like the Philips Norelco with the select feature works great and is relatively cheap (around $25).  They also have one that has a vacuum on it, but I just don't know about that.  When I trim my beard the whiskers go everywhere (need an eye guard sometimes).

my opinion... it's ridiculous to shave your entire face.  It goes against the nature of being men... so do that, BE A MAN!  Plus it is Movember.  Give it shot.